We would like to extend a congratulations to our MCMC 16 speaker, Veena Ramesh who was named a Brand Innovators 40 Under 40. Veena is the Digital Lead of Global Digital Strategy and Beauty at Johnson & Johnson.
Veena has a deep understanding of global consumer behavior as she has lived and worked across Asia, the Middle East and the US. Prior to moving into the global role – She increased the Digital IQ, set processes and implemented a hub and spoke model of managing Digital, across the six ASEAN countries, within J&J. Veena also co-created the Advanced Web Analytics program at NYU. Veena graduated from the National University of Singapore with a B.B.A (Finance) and NYU with a M.S. in Integrated Marketing.
Veena’s 4 Trends to Watch For:
1. Attracting Digital Talent – You cannot escape the topic of how to hire and retain digital talent in any forum. This will continue to be a hot topic. Companies should stop hiring based on the same yard stick that they use to hire a traditional marketer. You need to woo and have strategies to retain “t-shape” leaders with vertical digital depth but ability to navigate across the organization. You might need to search for this talent in unconventional ways.
2. Every marketer needs to be a Digital Marketer – Companies are now starting to put traditional marketers through Digital Bootcamps- Rutgers and GA run some good corporate programs. But that is not enough. The only way to learn is by doing. Marketers need to get their training wheels off and be able to plan and execute campaigns that include digital.
3. Role of a Digital Agency – We are seeing an explosion of content providers and low cost production houses flood the market. In this landscape the digital agencies have to step up and play a more elevated role in stewardship of the brand, creating multi-dimensional ideas and providing measurable ROI.
4. Social at the Core organizations – You will attract digital talent only if your employees know how to navigate the social space. Do you have 30s-1min video that outlines the day in a life? Do all your employees engage in the campaigns that you launch? Every company needs to honestly ask themselves how they are perceived by potential candidates.
This article was originally posted on Brand Innovators 40 Under 40
#MDMC16 Interview: Marc Bowers of St. Louis Makes
By: Dan Feeherty
Among the many minds and companies spearheading innovation in St. Louis is none other than St. Louis Makes. Acting as an innovation help desk, St. Louis Makes provides resources to the products and ideas that need it most. UMSL MBA student Dan Feeherty recently interviewed Marc Bowers, founder and director about growing innovation within the community:
St. Louis Makes will be on hand at #MDMC16 to showcase and chat with attendees. Follow @StLouisMakes on Twitter!
#MDMC16 Speaker Feature: Erin Moloney
By: Matteo Fialdini
The Midwest Digital Marketing Conference 2016 is delighted to have Erin Moloney, a native of St. Louis return to MDMC to provide us with further insights into the evolving field of Digital Marketing. Erin is the Director of Digital Marketing and Social Media for Perficient, Inc., Continue reading “#MDMC16 Speaker Feature: Erin Moloney”
#MDMC16 Speaker Feature: Todd Budin
By: Hanni Alomare
Mr. Todd Budin specializes in product strategy and marketing and advertising for Nielson, where he is the Senior Vice President of Ad Effectiveness, as well as Talkbox, and Techstars. As an UMSL alum, Todd works with Colorado’s tech and natural foods start-up community. Continue reading “#MDMC16 Speaker Feature: Todd Budin”
#MDMC16 Interview: Jesse Kemling
By: Dan Feeherty
UMSL Digital recently visited the St. Louis Science Center to talk innovation & the Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program. The YES program works with underprivileged youth in the metro St. Louis area to collaborate and peruse careers and innovation within STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics).
Among the 1200+ attendees at MDMC this year will be none other than Jesse Kemling, Senior Educator of Technology for the YES program. Listen to the informational interview below:
Follow @YESslsc on Twitter!
Redeeming Smart: Eateria Coming to #MDMC16!
By: Amy Cabanas
Eateria is a digital loyalty marketing tool designed specifically for restaurant, food and hospitality businesses. They have a strong mission to empower their customers by giving them the tools they need to run successful establishments. Continue reading “Redeeming Smart: Eateria Coming to #MDMC16!”
Meet the Cast Team at #MDMC16!
By: Kathrin Hanke
Cast is one of the startups in St. Louis that are supported by Arch Grants, a nonprofit organization that accelerates economic development and community revitalization. Being four of the most innovative entrepreneurs in St. Louis, Continue reading “Meet the Cast Team at #MDMC16!”
#MDMC16 Speaker Feature: Dan Curran
By Chase Kohler
You could say Dan Curran has done it all. From serving as Ad club president and partner at Manifest Digital, to launching the leading marketing agency 10X Studios. This St. Louis based entrepreneur has consistently defined the digital landscape. Naturally, Dan was a perfect fit for MDMC16.
10X Studios was founded by the merging of Twist and Evolutionize. These two local firms have redefined the borders between earned and owned-media while providing unique marketing concepts for their clients. While the transition has just started, the local digital scene has already felt the impact- with employment from 10X expected to double in both St. Louis and Chicago.
In addition to his passion with brand activation, Dan is also an accomplished film director. His recent documentary ‘Saving St. Louis’ was met with warm reviews and screened on PBS. So what’s next for Mr. Curran and digital marketing? You can hear his thoughts during the ‘Social Media Strategy on a Dime for Small to Medium Sized Businesses” breakout session at 3:30 P.M.
Follow @ManvsAgency on Twitter!
Meet Invisible Applications at #MDMC
By: Jacob Bryant
Invisible Applications formed after winning a start-up competition in November of 2013. The initial application they launched was the Invisible Girlfriend/Boyfriend the application would use information provided by you to craft a fake significant other to convince others that you are currently in a relationship. The concept took off, and just shy of 2 years after its birth the website has nearly half a million visitors that logged on from 193 customers!
The founders of Invisible Applications are Kyle Tabor, Matthew Homann, and Bredon Jones. Kyle is an MBA graduate of Washington University. Matthew earned a Political Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1990 and a J.D. from Washington University. Bredon Jones earned a degree in Spanish from the University of Kentucky in 1998. The original service was conceived by Matt based on his own experience after going through a divorce and wanting to end prying questions from family and friends.Invisible Applications says that thousands take advantage of their service for a variety of different reasons. Reasons include:
“Hoping to buy some time and convince my parents I’m in a relationship until I’m ready to come out.”
“Getting a clingy coworker off my case”
“I’m in the army and want someone to write to”
The Invisible Girlfriend/Boyfriend experience offers 100 texts, 10 voicemails, and a handwritten note from a faux partner who interacts with the customer in real time at a cost of $25 per month.
Invisible Applications will be at the MDMC in the Tech Alley, come talk to them and learn more about their story and experiences!
#MDMC16 Speaker Elizabeth Ledbetter Knows Creative Talent
By Elizabeth Snowden
Among many of the interests and questions anticipated at St. Louis’ 2016 Midwest Digital Marketing Conference will ultimately be: how do we remain relevant? As a business, group member, consumer or individual professional, Elizabeth Ledbetter probably has your answer. Continue reading “#MDMC16 Speaker Elizabeth Ledbetter Knows Creative Talent”